any model/year to watch out for???

[Clockwork]

First off, let me say I'm currently reading through the pages of the E53 area researching/noting problems with the E53, but I'm just wondering if there is a census on if any year/model was particularily bad for issues?

I'm looking at buying an E53 in next 4 months (if not sooner) and just would like a heads up if this year xxx or this model xxx has a bad transmission problem, or engine issue, or suspension problem or electrical issue, etc.

I will continue reading through the forum to make my own decisions too.
Clockwork

PS: glad there is a forum dedicated to the E53. certinally opens a persons eyes to experiences had with these fine rides.

[c4racer]

personally I would avoid the first year or two if possible - 2000-2001. From there get the best maintained and best condition newest model you can afford 2002-2006.

[redvault]

Originally Posted by c4racer

personally I would avoid the first year or two if possible - 2000-2001. From there get the best maintained and best condition newest model you can afford 2002-2006.

It you looking for one that is a few years old, you probably want a facelift model with more horse power, 6 speed, and better steering wheel, which begin production end 2003 to 2006. After that, I believe they are xdrive model(?).

[sunny5280]

Originally Posted by c4racer

personally I would avoid the first year or two if possible - 2000-2001. From there get the best maintained and best condition newest model you can afford 2002-2006.

I'm not sure I agree with this. From the amount of reading I've done on the various BMW forums it doesn't appear BMW corrects problem areas in later years of the same model. Window regulators are a prime example. To my knowledge BMW didn't re-engineer the part in later versions of the vehicle. It seems most all of the issues that existed in the first version exist in the last version of any given model. Or am I wrong?

[JCL]

Originally Posted by sunny5280

I'm not sure I agree with this. From the amount of reading I've done on the various BMW forums it doesn't appear BMW corrects problem areas in later years of the same model. Window regulators are a prime example. To my knowledge BMW didn't re-engineer the part in later versions of the vehicle. It seems most all of the issues that existed in the first version exist in the last version of any given model. Or am I wrong?

Just because the design of the window regulator hasn't changed, doesn't mean that a lot of the first-year niggling issues were addressed. Statistically, models later in the production cycle are more reliable, even if they aren't perfect. Same with all manufacturers, but particularly true with BMW given the complexity of their engineering solutions.

And if you want to improve your chances with window regulators, don't slam the doors with the windows all the way down, the glass isn't properly supported by the guide track in that case. Raise them a couple of inches.

[sunny5280]

Originally Posted by JCL

Just because the design of the window regulator hasn't changed, doesn't mean that a lot of the first-year niggling issues were addressed. Statistically, models later in the production cycle are more reliable, even if they aren't perfect. Same with all manufacturers, but particularly true with BMW given the complexity of their engineering solutions.

And if you want to improve your chances with window regulators, don't slam the doors with the windows all the way down, the glass isn't properly supported by the guide track in that case. Raise them a couple of inches.

Window regulators were just an example. Oil freezing in the oil separator during cold weather, dead pixels in the instrument cluster / BC computer, automatic transmission slamming are yet more examples. Perhaps there's something that affected earlier vehicles but does not later vehicles but I'm not aware of any (save for the E46 subframe issue which appears to affect MY 1999-2000 vehicles more than MY 2001-2006). Do you have any examples?

[JCL]

Originally Posted by sunny5280

Do you have any examples?

Just look at published data for early hour dealer visits, comparing various years of production. Pretty clear trend lines.

Ask a BMW dealer about 2007 X5 customer complaint rates compared to other years.

Edit:

OK, found a year by year summary. Note how many recalls were done in 2000, and how the numbers dropped through E53 production:

NHTSA Recall History

2000: In rough road conditions, the collar on the steering rack may loosen and separate from the rack, causing loss of steering capability.
2000: One of the steel-mesh oil lines may chafe a brake line, causing the brake line to rust through and leak.
2000-01: Due to disruption in electrical current, the vehicle may switch from "Park" or "Neutral" to the emergency program and the ability to maintain speed in traffic will be diminished.
2000-01: Some vehicles may have faulty safetybelt buckles. Dealer will inspect and replace affected parts.
2000-01: The brake-pedal arm could detach from the bracket, rendering brakes ineffective.
2000-02: Some vehicles may have faulty brake-line retaining clips, resulting in loss of brake fluid. Dealer will insect and replace affected parts.
2001: A tie rod may disconnect from the steering gear box, causing noise from the steering linkage and misalignment.
2001: Brake-pedal travel may be reduced due to relative movement between the pedal and booster, adversely affecting braking performance.
2001: Front-seat seatbelt anchorages may not have been properly secured.
2001: Loss of steering capability may result from a disconnected spindle.
2001: The bolts that fasten the pulley to the pump could loosen and cause the pulley to throw off the drive belt. Power-steering assist, water pump, and alternator functions may be lost.
2001: The cooling-fan motor may fail, overloading the circuitry of the fan-control unit and possibly overheating the engine.
2003: Insufficiently tightened engine-support bolts may lead to a loss of vehicle control. Dealer will tighten all affected bolts.
2003: On some vehicles, the distance between brake line and the steering shaft joint is too short, resulting in a reduction of front brake performance. Dealer will inspect and replace affected parts.
2004: Engine stalling could occur due to incorrectly attached fuel line on certain vehicles, even though fuel gauge indicates that gasoline is present in tank.
2004: On certain V8 models, engine stalling may occur after short period of operation; engine may be unable to restart.
2004: When certain vehicles with 3.0-liter V6 engine and manual transmission are moving slowly in first gear, with gas pedal held in constant position and clutch pedal in partially depressed position, vehicle could accelerate unexpectedly.
2005: On certain SUVs, front left brake hose on certain SUVs could become damaged by rubbing against wheel well, possibly resulting in loss of brake fluid.

[Clockwork]

C4racer, fully agree.
I definitely know that 2 year rule for any bmw model! I currently have 2 other Bimmers at the moment and one is a 2nd year production and it has had its fair share of issues, that and it is 21 years old next month and I'm the 3rd owner. My problem to put her back together but at the same time, happy to take care of her again to her full glory.
I'm jsut hoping to avoid any of these repairs (as much as possible anyhow) with this SAV purchase.

[c4racer]

Originally Posted by Clockwork

C4racer, fully agree.
I definitely know that 2 year rule for any bmw model! I currently have 2 other Bimmers at the moment and one is a 2nd year production and it has had its fair share of issues, that and it is 21 years old next month and I'm the 3rd owner. My problem to put her back together but at the same time, happy to take care of her again to her full glory.
I'm jsut hoping to avoid any of these repairs (as much as possible anyhow) with this SAV purchase.

Well, the E53 has it's share of trouble spots, as most BMWs do, but fundamentally is a solid car. From what I have seen there is not a huge difference in reliability as a general trend between MY02-06, but there is huge variability between specific examples. Some of that is luck, some of that is maintanence and service history. I tend to like former CPO cars just outside of the CPO warrantee as a good bet for not too much $.

[BLOWN HOWARD]

I am selling my 06 3.0i with 49k miles for 27k with 2yrs left on extended warranty